How to Replace HVAC Air Filter? Step-by-Step Guide

In a place like New Orleans, you really can’t understate the importance of maintaining a comfortable environment. During some of the hottest months of the year, regular maintenance will be your best friend. Regular preventative maintenance is part of what helps your HVAC system run as efficiently as possible. 

If you weren’t already aware, one of the most simple and effective ways to help carry out regular maintenance is by regularly changing your AC air filter. That’s why we’ve constructed this step-by-step comprehensive guide on exactly how to conduct an HVAC filter change. 

The Importance of Conducting an HVAC Air Filter Change 

The act of replacing your air filter may just seem like a routine chore; but it’s a vital step in the maintenance of your system and its efficiency—not to mention, your space’s air quality. The cleaner your air filter is, the more it is able to effectively draw in air and filter out contaminants as needed. Over time, your AC air filter will clog with dust, pet dander, pollen, or anything else, which will ultimately limit your airflow.

An airflow restriction means that your HVAC system will have to work harder than necessary, which leads to higher energy costs, and you’re still left with a dirty filter. That said, regularly replacing your air filter will help guarantee that your system is running efficiently, its lifespan is prolonged, and your indoor air is clean and healthy.

When to Replace Your HVAC Air Filter

Knowing when to replace your air filter will be key in maintaining your system’s efficiency. As a general rule of thumb, HVAC owners should be changing their filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on your usage, the type of filter your system requires, and your environment.

When you start noticing limited airflow, strange sounds, and higher energy bills, just know that your filler may be the culprit. A clogged filter will significantly hinder your air conditioning system’s performance, which can lead to expensive repairs down the line. 

Now that you know when to change your air filter, let’s get into what you’ll need to complete it!

What You’ll Need 

Now, before you start replacing your HVAC air filter, make sure you gather all of the necessary tools to get the job done. You’ll need:

• New Air Filter: It’s imperative that you choose the right filter for your system. Your HVAC has unique specifications when it comes to the size and type of filter you should be using. 

• Screwdriver (if necessary): Depending on your system, you may need a screwdriver handy to access your filter compartment, while other filters on other systems may just slide out.

• Vacuum or Cloth: Keeping a vacuum or cloth nearby will help with the cleanup of any leftover dust and debris that fell from the dirty filter. 

Again, be sure to choose the correct filter for your air conditioning system if you want optimal airflow and air quality. If you’re still not sure what filter to use, consult the manufacturer guidelines or your trusted professional HVAC experts at Optimum Air Solutions. 

How to Replace Your AC Air Filter: Step-by-Step

• Turn Off Your HVAC System

Before you get started on your air filter replacement, safety should always be first! Make sure that your HVAC system is powered off to prevent any accidents during the project’s completion. 

• Locate the Air FIlter

Next, you’ll want to find where your air filter is situated when it’s doing its work. It might be in the return air duct, near the furnace, or inside the air conditioning unit itself. If you have trouble finding it, consult your system manual.

• Remove the Old Air Filter 

Be careful when you’re sliding the old air filter out of its slot. You want to pay close attention to the filter’s orientation because this will be the basis of how you properly install the new one.

• Inspect the Filter Slot 

Check out te area in which your new filter will lay. Get rid of any of the remaining dust or debris. This step is vital when it comes to your air flow. The dust has to go!

• Insert the New Filter 

Carefully insert your new clean air filter into its designated slot. You need to be sure that it fits securely and aligns with the airflow direction that is indicated on the filter frame. 

• Power Back Up

You’ve done it! Now, it’s time to turn your HVAC system back on and reap the fruits of your labor. If you notice an improvement in airflow and performance efficiency, you know you’ve done the job correctly. If not, there may be another underlying issue. 

Replacing your AC air filter is a pretty straightforward task, that really keeps your home’s comfort and optimization afloat. If you follow these steps on how to replace your air filter, AC issues will become a thing of the past, because your system will be operating at its best. 

If you haven’t changed your air filter recently, now is the perfect time to do so! Think it’s time for some preventative regular maintenance? Get in touch with the Optimum Air Solutions team! We specialize in all things HVAC and are committed to delivering top-notch customer service to all of our New Orleans residents. We know it’s hot out there!

Click here to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists, and we’ll have you breathing easy in the Big Easy in no time!